CTX Technology P972

Think of the "P" in CTX Technology's $399 P972 as standing for "physical adjustments." This moderately priced monitor is one of a handful of newly tested models that allows you to change the height and tilt of the screen, pivot it on its axis, and swivel it from side to side. If it included pivoting software such as the $40 Pivot Pro, it would be more of a bargain. If you plan to use the pivot function, budget for the software as well.

Our jurors found the P972's text display pleasingly crisp. It didn't shine in any particular test, but its competent work earned it a rating of Very Good for text. Its graphics performance, however, left more to be desired. Colors looked dim and faded on our photo screen of a normally vivid fruit tart, and flesh tones appeared artificial in our group photo. With these handicaps, the P972 earned a lackluster graphics rating of Fair.

The unobtrusive speakers use only 1 watt each, so it's no surprise that they provide tinny sound. I'd prefer a headphone jack.

If the price and the text performance move you, you may want to check the comparably priced Acer AL1932d, which produced better text. However, the Acer model lacks physical adjustments; if ergonomic comfort is an issue, the CTX P972 is the better bet.

Upshot: The physically adjustable P972 is no graphics pro, but it produces clean text, making it a good deal for the price.

Laura Blackwell